Dresner Foundation Gives $22,400 to Help School for Chronically Ill Children at National Jewish Health

Morgridge Academy Purchases Laptop Computers to Enhance Learning

The National Jewish Health Morgridge Academy for chronically ill children received a technological boost this fall thanks to a generous $22,400 grant from the Dresner Foundation. With the gift, Morgridge Academy, a kindergarten through eighth grade school located on the National Jewish Health campus, purchased 60 computer laptops in an effort to match each student with a laptop. Many students who attend Morgridge Academy live at or below poverty and might not otherwise have the access to these devices.
 

“School may be the only place where our students have access to technology, and some have little knowledge about computers when they arrive,” said Jennifer McCullough, director of education at Morgridge Academy. “By using computers, tablets, white boards and other technology in the classroom, we are preparing our students for high school, higher education and eventually the workplace.”

Through problem-based learning (PBL), Morgridge Academy challenges students to tackle issues using critical thinking and thoughtful planning. Each project also includes digital and presentation components, which the laptops will help students complete. In addition to PBL projects, the school uses the computers for student assessments and classroom research.

Morgridge Academy, the only school of its kind located on a hospital campus in the country, has a laptop take-home program that allows students to view online video lessons. Students then come to school to do classwork and practice what they learned with their teachers. This is known as the “flipped classroom” model. Having access to laptops also helps students when they are hospitalized. Teachers can share lessons and work with their students as part of the hospital visitation program.

The Dresner Foundation is dedicated to transforming lives in profoundly positive ways through grants focused on health, youth and animal welfare. By maintaining focus on its work, the foundation hopes to enrich lives by providing the resources necessary to lead full and healthy lives. The foundation also believes in working with organizations in its focus areas to create opportunity, have community impact, and promote well-being.

Morgridge Academy at National Jewish Health is a unique, free day school for 90 chronically ill students in kindergarten through eighth grades. Its mission is to provide a safe, friendly and healthy school environment where students succeed academically, medically and socially.